Find Downtown Boston Parking Without Circling the Same Block
Compare garage prices, meter rules, opening hours, Google Map directions, disabled parking, snow-emergency rules and cheaper transit alternatives before you drive into downtown.
Boston parking is easiest when you choose one garage, one backup and one legal pickup plan before reaching the Common, Government Center, Financial District, North End or Theater District.
Fast Answer: Best Downtown Boston Parking Options
Best central garage: Boston Common Garage is the easiest all-around choice for Boston Common, Beacon Hill, Back Bay edge, Downtown Crossing and the Theater District.
Best for Government Center / TD Garden / North End: Government Center Garage is convenient, but pre-purchase event parking when available.
Best for Financial District / Post Office Square / Faneuil Hall edge: Garage At Post Office Square is open 24/7 and has clear daily, evening and weekend pricing.
Best short stop: a legal meter may be cheaper, but most meters operate Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–8 PM, and many have short time limits.
Official Source Audit: What This Guide Uses
This guide is built from City of Boston parking pages, major garage operator pages, MBTA parking pages and Massachusetts disability-parking guidance. Parking prices, opening hours, street signs, event rates and snow rules can change, so the article explains the rule first and then links to the source users need.
City meter and ParkBoston rules
Used for meter hours, Sunday/holiday rules, rates, Pay By Plate, Pay and Display, ParkBoston steps and broken-meter guidance.
Garage operator pages
Used for published prices, height limits, 24/7 access, event pricing, EV charging, contact details and entrance addresses.
Accessibility and ticket help
Used for disabled placard rules, on-street accessible parking, parking fines, ticket appeals, street cleaning and snow-emergency parking.
No fake live inventory: this page does not claim a garage currently has open spaces. Always check the live garage page, reservation page or entrance sign before paying.
Best Downtown Boston Parking Garages
These are practical downtown choices because they cover the most common search intents: Boston Common parking, Government Center parking, Financial District parking, Theater District parking, North End parking and Downtown Crossing parking.
Boston Common Garage
- Address
- Zero Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116
- Best for
- Boston Common, Public Garden, Beacon Hill, Back Bay edge, Theater District, State House and Downtown Crossing.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Weekday rates
- $14 up to 1 hour; $20 up to 2 hours; $26 up to 3 hours; $30 up to 10 hours; $34 up to 12 hours; $38 up to 24 hours.
- Evening/weekend
- Operator page lists online evening, weekend and holiday reservations; confirm the live reservation rate before arrival.
- Height
- Approximately 6 ft 3 in.
- Phone
- 617-954-2098
Government Center Garage
- Address
- 50 Sudbury Street or 125 Bowker Street, Boston, MA 02114
- Best for
- Government Center, Boston City Hall, TD Garden, North End, Faneuil Hall, Boston Public Market and nearby courts.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Online rates
- Weekday all-day $36; night $25; weekend special $25; daily max $38; service fees may apply.
- Drive-up rates
- 20 minutes $9; 40 minutes $19; 1 hour 20 minutes $29; 1 hour 40 minutes $38; daily max $48.
- Height
- Approximately 6 ft 4 in.
- Phone
- 617-227-0385
Garage At Post Office Square
- Address
- Zero Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109
- GPS entrance
- 130 Congress Street, Boston, MA
- Best for
- Financial District, Post Office Square, Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall edge, Waterfront and office appointments.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Daily rate
- Rates are cumulative up to a $42 maximum within each 5 AM–5 AM business day.
- Evening/weekend
- Evening and weekend rate is commonly listed at $10; verify current terms and validation programs.
- Height
- Pearl Street entrance 6 ft 10 in; Congress Street entrance 7 ft 6 in.
- Phone
- 617-423-1430
Lafayette Garage
- Address
- 1 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA
- Best for
- Downtown Crossing, Hyatt Regency Boston, Opera House, Theater District, Chinatown and Financial District edge.
- Opening hours
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Day rates
- $9 up to 30 minutes; $17 up to 1 hour; $25 up to 1.5 hours; $33 up to 2 hours; $39 for 2–12 hours; $41 for 12–24 hours.
- Evening/weekend
- Evening $22 up to 12 hours; Saturday and Sunday $22 up to 12 hours.
- EV charging
- EV charging is available.
- Phone
- 617-357-1987
Center Plaza Garage
- GPS addresses
- 75 Somerset Street or 32 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02108
- Best for
- Boston City Hall, Suffolk University, Government Center, Faneuil Hall, North End, Boston Public Market and Boston Common edge.
- Opening hours
- Open 24/7.
- Weekday rates
- Up to 20 minutes $10; 20–40 minutes $20; 40–60 minutes $30; 60–80 minutes $38; over 80 minutes $45.
- Special rates
- Early Bird $36; weeknights $25; Saturday or Sunday $25.
- Height
- Approximately 6 ft 4 in.
- Phone
- 617-742-7807
Downtown Boston Parking Prices: Quick Comparison
| Parking option | Best use | Typical published price | Open hours | Before you choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street meter | Short legal visit under posted limit | $2/hour in many downtown and Financial District areas; higher in Back Bay and waterfront zones | Most meters Mon–Sat, 8 AM–8 PM | Signs, maximum stay, rush-hour rules and resident-only restrictions |
| Boston Common Garage | Boston Common, Theater District, Beacon Hill | Weekday up to 24 hours commonly $38 | 24/7 | Online special rate and height limit |
| Government Center Garage | City Hall, TD Garden, North End | Online weekday all-day $36; drive-up daily max commonly $48 | 24/7 | Event rate and payment method |
| Post Office Square | Financial District and waterfront edge | Daily max commonly $42; evening/weekend commonly $10 | 24/7 | Entrance clearance and validation programs |
| Lafayette Garage | Downtown Crossing, Opera House, Chinatown | $39 for 2–12 hours; $41 for 12–24 hours | 24/7 | EV availability and final posted rate |
| Center Plaza Garage | Government Center, Suffolk, City Hall | Over 80 minutes commonly $45; weekend $25 | 24/7 | Somerset vs Tremont entrance |
| MBTA park-and-ride | Full-day visit when you can take transit | Examples: Alewife $9 weekday / $3 weekend; Riverside $6 weekday / $3 weekend | Varies by station | Overnight permission and payment method |
Price warning: garage rates, reservation service fees, event pricing, validation programs and meter rules can change. Confirm the final price before entering or paying.
Opening Hours: Meters, Garages and Overnight Parking
Street meters
Most Boston meters operate Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM. Always read the individual meter and street signs.
Sundays and City holidays
Meter payment is generally free on Sundays and City holidays, but all other parking regulations remain enforceable.
Major downtown garages
The main garages in this guide are generally open 24/7, making them practical for dinner, theater, overnight and delayed-return visits.
MBTA alternatives
Some MBTA garages allow overnight parking, including Alewife, Braintree, Quincy Adams, Haymarket, Riverside and Wonderland Garage.
Snow emergencies
Declared snow emergencies can override normal street parking and create special discounted garage programs for eligible vehicles.
Event nights
TD Garden, Theater District, Boston Common events and waterfront events can change traffic, price and space availability.
Where to Park by Downtown Boston Destination
Boston Street Parking, Meter Rates and ParkBoston App
Street parking is best for short errands. It is not ideal for appointments, dinner, shows, hospital visits or anything with an uncertain return time.
Current Boston meter-rate guide
| Area | Typical meter rate | Useful user note |
|---|---|---|
| Financial District and many other metered areas | $2 per hour | Still check the posted maximum and rush-hour restrictions. |
| Back Bay | $3.75 per hour | Some very short-turnover spaces use special 15-minute pricing. |
| Bulfinch Triangle | $2.50 per hour | Useful near North Station and Government Center edges. |
| Fenway/Kenmore | $2.50 per hour | Game days and events can make garage or transit planning better. |
| South Boston Waterfront | $3.75 per hour on most City-owned streets; D Street is priced differently | Convention and Seaport demand can make meters hard to find. |
| Motorcycle stalls | $0.50 per hour | Use designated motorcycle stalls and follow posted restrictions. |
Meter modernization note: Boston is replacing many older meters with pay-by-plate multi-space meters. New meters still accept ParkBoston, quarters and major cards, but receipt display rules may differ by meter type.
Free Sunday, Holiday and Night Parking in Boston
Sunday meters
Boston meters are generally free on Sundays, and meter time limits are generally not enforced on those days.
City holidays
Meters are generally free on City holidays. If a holiday is observed on a different date, confirm with BOS:311.
Night parking
Meters may stop charging after posted hours, but resident-only, street cleaning, snow emergency and No Stopping rules can still apply.
Important: free meter parking does not cancel hydrants, driveways, resident signs, street cleaning, snow bans, loading zones, bike lanes or No Stopping rules.
Boston Parking Rules That Prevent Tickets
Resident Parking Only
If a sign says Resident Parking Only, you need the correct neighborhood permit during posted restricted hours.
Street cleaning
Street cleaning applies on many streets from April 1 through November 30, and some main roads are cleaned year-round.
Rush-hour lanes
Many metered downtown streets become extra travel lanes during rush hour. Check what the rule will be when you return.
No Stopping
Do not park, wait, load, drop off or pick up in a No Stopping zone.
No Standing
You may make a pickup or drop-off, but you cannot park the vehicle.
Meter limit
ParkBoston extensions do not allow parking beyond the posted maximum for that spot.
Parking fine examples
Common fines include $40 for unpaid meter or over-meter-limit, $60 for resident-permit-only, and higher fines for fire lanes or No Stopping.
Sign arrows
A sign arrow points to the affected area. Two arrows or no arrow may mean the rule applies across the street section.
Photos help appeals
If ticketed, photograph signs, the meter, curb, plate, vehicle position and your app/payment receipt before leaving.
Disabled and Accessible Parking in Downtown Boston
Downtown Boston has public on-street accessible spaces in commercial areas, and Massachusetts disability placards also provide meter privileges. Garage accessibility varies by facility, so check both the parking space and the pedestrian route.
What a valid disability placard or plate may allow
- Use designated accessible parking spaces.
- Park at meters without paying fees or penalties where the placard rule applies.
- Park beyond the meter or posted time limit where the placard rule applies.
- Use public Boston OSAP spaces marked with HP/DV Parking signs.
What still applies
- Street cleaning rules.
- Snow emergency restrictions.
- No Parking and No Stopping zones.
- Fire lanes, hydrants, sidewalks and driveways.
- Garage fees unless that garage provides its own discount or validation.
On-street accessible map
Boston’s OSAP map shows accessible spaces in major commercial areas and neighborhood main streets, but spaces can move.
Post Office Square route
The garage lists accessible spaces on the Lobby Level with elevator, escalator and stair pedestrian access.
Parking with a placard
Display the placard clearly, use it only when the authorized person is being transported, and do not block crosswalks, ramps or travel lanes.
Nearby Downtown Parking Alternatives When Main Garages Are Full
These nearby alternatives help when Boston Common, Government Center or Post Office Square pricing is high, event demand is heavy, or your destination is on the edge of downtown.
Haymarket / MBTA garage
Useful for North End, Government Center and Faneuil Hall. Check MBTA’s current hourly/day rate and overnight rules before relying on it.
Public Garden Garage
Good for Public Garden, Back Bay edge and Boston Common west side. Operator page lists 24/7 access and a daily max.
CityPlace Garage
Useful for Theater District and Back Bay edge when Boston Common Garage is busy or a show creates congestion.
One Greenway Garage
Useful for Chinatown, Theater District and Tufts Medical Center area. Check weekend and evening rates before booking.
33 Arch / Financial District area
Good backup for Financial District and Downtown Crossing. Verify the exact entrance and current rate on the operator page.
MBTA park-and-ride
Best for full-day visits when you can park outside downtown and take the Red, Green, Blue or Orange Line in.
Third-party app warning: parking apps can be useful, but always verify the actual garage name, vehicle entrance, height limit, cancellation rule, oversize policy and service fee.
Cheaper Park-and-Ride Options Before Driving Downtown
If you are visiting downtown for a full day, MBTA parking plus transit can cost much less than a downtown garage. Check the individual station page before leaving a vehicle overnight.
| MBTA option | Weekday rate | Weekend rate | Overnight parking | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alewife Garage | $9 | $3 | Yes | Red Line access from northwest suburbs. |
| Braintree Garage | $9 | $3 | Yes | Red Line access from south of Boston. |
| Quincy Adams Garage | $9 | $3 | Yes | South Shore Red Line access. |
| Riverside | $6 | $3 | Yes | Green Line access from west of Boston. |
| Wonderland Garage | $7 | $2 | Yes | Blue Line access from north/east side. |
| Haymarket | Hourly; over 4 hours until 5 AM commonly $33 | Hourly; over 1.5 hours until 5 AM commonly $16 | Yes | North End, Government Center and Faneuil Hall. |
MBTA payment note: MBTA parking uses contactless payment methods such as PayByPhone and mailed invoices at many facilities. Pay by the station rules to avoid parking tickets.
Boston Snow Emergency Parking for Downtown Drivers
Posted snow routes
Boston tickets and tows vehicles parked on posted snow emergency arteries during a declared snow emergency.
Discounted garages
Some garages offer discounted snow-emergency parking for vehicles with Boston resident parking stickers.
Exit deadline
Many discounted programs require vehicles to leave within a set time after the parking ban is lifted.
Downtown snow tip: do not leave a vehicle on streets such as Beacon Street, Causeway Street, Commercial Street, Devonshire Street, State Street or Surface Road during a declared snow emergency without checking the active restriction.
Broken Meter, Parking Ticket, Wrong Plate or Garage Problem
| Problem | What to do now | What to save |
|---|---|---|
| Broken meter | Use ParkBoston if available, try another approved payment method or submit a 311 request. | Meter number, location, error photo and attempted payment proof. |
| Wrong plate entered | Correct it immediately if possible. If ticketed, keep payment proof and plate details for appeal. | Receipt, app session, plate image and meter location. |
| Parking ticket received | Review the ticket, photos and appeal deadline before paying. | Sign photos, meter receipt, ParkBoston session and vehicle position. |
| Garage rate different from expected | Ask the garage office before exiting if possible. | Reservation, entry time, posted-rate photo and receipt. |
| Vehicle may be towed | Use Boston 311 or the City’s parking/towed-car help route for the exact location. | Plate, vehicle description and last parked address. |
| Street cleaning ticket | Check the posted schedule and ticket details before deciding whether to appeal. | Street sign photo, date, time, location and ticket image. |
Boston Parking Phone Numbers and Addresses
Boston Parking Clerk
Boston 311
Boston Disabilities Commission
Boston Common Garage
Government Center Garage
Garage At Post Office Square
Before Driving Downtown: 60-Second Parking Checklist
Garage checklist
- Exact garage name and vehicle entrance saved.
- Current daily, evening, weekend or event rate checked.
- Height clearance verified.
- Accessible route or elevator checked if needed.
- Backup garage saved.
- Reservation QR code or app instructions saved.
- Exit route selected before arrival.
- Garage phone number saved.
Street parking checklist
- Closest sign read completely.
- Meter hours checked.
- Maximum stay confirmed.
- Rush-hour restriction checked.
- Resident-only rule checked.
- Street cleaning schedule checked.
- Plate entered exactly.
- Return alarm set before expiration.
Downtown Boston Parking Google Map
Use this map to understand downtown parking locations, then open the exact garage entrance link before the final approach.
Navigation warning: Google Maps may route to a garage’s pedestrian address or building center. Use the vehicle entrance shown by the garage operator whenever possible.
Official Boston Parking Links
These links are included only where they help users verify changing rates, rules, payments, accessibility, snow-emergency parking or official garage details.
Boston Downtown Parking FAQs
Where is the best place to park in downtown Boston?
Boston Common Garage is best for Boston Common, Beacon Hill and the Theater District. Government Center Garage works well for City Hall, TD Garden and the North End. Post Office Square is strong for the Financial District and Faneuil Hall edge.
How much does downtown Boston parking cost?
Street meters in many downtown and Financial District areas cost about $2 per hour. Major garages commonly range from about $22–$25 for evening or weekend parking to about $38–$48 for full weekday drive-up stays.
Are Boston parking meters free on Sunday?
Yes. Boston meters are generally free on Sundays, but resident-only signs, snow emergencies, street cleaning, hydrants, loading zones and No Stopping rules still apply.
What are Boston meter hours?
Most Boston meters operate Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM. Always check the meter and nearby signs because individual blocks can have different restrictions.
Can I use the ParkBoston app downtown?
Yes, where a ParkBoston zone number is posted. Enter the correct zone, plate and duration, then save the receipt or session history in case you need to appeal a ticket.
Is overnight parking available in downtown Boston?
Yes. Major garages such as Boston Common Garage, Government Center Garage, Post Office Square, Lafayette Garage and Center Plaza Garage are generally open 24/7. Confirm current rate and access before leaving a vehicle overnight.
Where can I park near Boston Common?
Boston Common Garage at Zero Charles Street is the most direct option. It is open 24/7 and serves Boston Common, Beacon Hill, Back Bay edge, Downtown Crossing and the Theater District.
Where can disabled drivers park in downtown Boston?
Valid disability placards or plates may use designated accessible spaces and may park at meters without fees or penalties where the placard rule applies. Street cleaning, snow emergencies and No Stopping rules still apply.
What is the cheapest way to park for a full day in downtown Boston?
Compare online garage specials first. If you do not need to drive directly downtown, MBTA park-and-ride garages such as Alewife, Braintree, Quincy Adams, Riverside or Wonderland may be cheaper.
Who should I call about Boston parking tickets or meter problems?
Call the Boston Parking Clerk at 617-635-4410 for parking-ticket and meter questions. Use Boston 311 for broken meters, illegal parking reports and snow emergency service requests.
Independent Parking Information
Parking Guide Hub is not the City of Boston, Boston Parking Clerk, MBTA, Boston Common Garage, Government Center Garage, Post Office Square Garage, Lafayette Garage, Center Plaza Garage or any parking operator.
Prices, opening hours, garage access, event rates, street signs, snow emergency rules, accessibility details and payment systems can change. Verify time-sensitive information through the linked official or operator source before driving or paying.
Visit the Parking Guide Hub homepage for more practical parking guides.